What do you wear when it's hot if you're self conscious about your size?

[mumof1littlebun]

For various reasons I have put on a lot of weight in the past few years. I am currently a size 18 with big boobs and tummy. I dread the hot weather and end up wearing things like linen trousers and T-shirt but I find T-shirts aren't cool enough but I just don't know what else to wear that I will feel comfortable in!

I have thought about wearing dresses but am yet to find a style that doesn't make me look bigger. Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed 😊

I’d love to find a T-shirt that doesn’t cling to the boobs/belly, yet isn’t like a tent, and gives some shape.

The H&M dresses are my absolute go to! I've got about 7, they're lightweight, comfy and look cute. I love the ones that tie at the waist for a bit of definition.

I came to the realisation last year that people are going to know I'm bigger regardless of what I'm wearing - so I might as well feel comfortable. The only reason I didn't feel comfortable was my fear of being perceived - it took time but once I got over that it made such a difference. I still have the occasional wobble but remind myself that I don't think this many unkind things when I see strangers outside, so why would I assume they think bad things about me?

I find these good: https://www.cottontraders.com/search/?q=crinkle%20top

I'm a 20/22 and last year also realised that by covering up in my leggings and cardigans, I was just drawing attention to myself. Now I wear lovely cool maxi dresses, usually with a print as that's what I like. Snag Chub rub shorts and comfy flip flops and sandals and I'm so much more comfortable. I don't have more flesh on show but in the garden I will wear shorts to get some colour on them!

@thanKyouaIMee - can you provide a link/tell me more about the H&M dresses?

OP I wear jumpsuits but agree it's easier if you just accept being larger and don't try to dress to cover it

You are so right @thanKyouaIMee people aren't blind. I tend to cover up too, my whole life, but i understand now that I'm only displaying my shame.

Vest top & shorts or dresses (Shein have some brilliant basic dresses for about £8-10, I'll be kicked off mn for shopping on Shein though!) They have a curve range and I buy 2XL and am a size 18 (tall though with relatively small boobs so a different shape to you I think).
I used to get weirdly hung up on things making me look bigger or showing the tops of my arms etc, I would just end up looking terrible because A) I was a sweaty frustrated mess with my long sleeves and trousers and B) because I would stand out like a sore thumb next to everyone else dressed in beautiful light flowing dresses! It draws more attention to be covered up sometimes!
The difference for me was discovering fake tan as I also have the misfortune of being deathly pale - I use the skinny tan lotion which is a natural looking colour on me and it gives me much more confidence!

I find I sometimes look a bit bigger in dresses, but also much more put together and closer to something approximating stylish. That makes me feel more confident. I'm trying to find a load of cotton dresses as a summer uniform this year.

I always wear outfit that cinches in above waist and below boobs, slimmest part. I wear a lot of lagenlook, cotton and linen.

At my biggest I relied on maxi dresses, cut to emphasise my best features. Worn with cotton jersey shorts underneath. They'd get a lot of compliments, even though I was a few stone overweight.

Linen trousers are good for coolness and comfort but never look great imo. I still live in them in summer. Try wearing them with a loose fitting long blouse or shirt, that fits around the shoulders as that can help you look slimmer. Or a swing cut shell top with a very fine knit or crocheted long cardigan over the top.

I love loose shirts and shorts, especially Linen. I always go for matching Colour / print too!

That was the look I went for too. Very flattering if your ribcage is the narrowest part of your body.

But women with good legs and broad backs and tummies can look best in loose shift dresses that end just above the knee.

I have bought some lovely dresses this year that are sort of empire line and look lovely. I am also a fan of linen shirts in the summer with a vest underneath as they give you the opertunity to bare all but cover your arms when you feel self conscious.

I'm not a woman, so from a fashion perspective am of no use, but I do really struggle with the heat and have to keep the sun off my skin so am usually fairly covered. I go for cotton and linen and loose fitting clothes to help air circulate. Light colours.

I'd focus on comfort first, nobody looks good suffering in the heat.

@whatageareyou

Oversized crinkled dress www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1219083002.html

Tie-belt shirt dress www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1217576004.html

Like this! It's oversized but I tend to size down then it doesn't swamp me, they tie in at the waist and I had so many compliments!

I'm narrow below the boobs (only because they're giant 🙄) and these then flair nicely around my middle. With a pair of sandals, cute bag and some sunglasses I feel like I look put together / like I've made an effort which is half the battle I find.

Baggy jump suit.

I like mid length dresses that tie at the waist as I'm an apple shape. They give my waist definition and then flare out so you can't see my belly. With short floaty sleeves.

@thanKyouaIMee - I LOVE those, thank you.

Jumpsuits, playsuits (over capri tights) and midi dresses. Scamp&Dude and Popsy are my go to brands. I’m a size 18/20.